trench

noun

ˈtrench How to pronounce trench (audio)
Definition of trenchnext
as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth dug a trench and filled it with water in an attempt to keep the forest fire off her property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trench That made General Manager Adam Peters comfortable going the entire offseason without making a significant addition to the offensive trenches. — Tashan Reed, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026 In July 2025, utility workers excavating trenches to expand an underground gas network in Peru's capital unearthed two pre-Incan tombs that were over 1,000 years old. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The Death Star trench run in Star Wars gets plenty of presence and detail from the screeching TIE Fighters to the explosions to the soundtrack. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 Both sides have consequently dug legal and PR trenches to snipe at the other and rally endorsements. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trench
  1. ditch
  2. gutter
  3. ravine
Noun
  • In the spring, when the snow is melting and the springs that are high up in the rock cliffs some miles away are carrying it down full speed, the ditches overflow as does the little creek that runs near my cabin.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Though Sarnia’s industrial corridor is downstream from Lake Huron, several drainage ditches in the area are connected to creeks that flow into the lake, Corcoran said in an interview.
    — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • Standing urinals in the form of gutters are found at some Roman public buildings, such as the Colosseum.
    — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The documents detail a sprawling crime scene filled with bullet holes and littered with shell casings recovered from around the church, the neighboring playground and as far away as the walls and gutters of houses in the surrounding neighborhood.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of gutter
Noun
  • The helicopter then returned to the ravine and carried out the same technical maneuver to bring the second climber to safety.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • At the other side of the woods the land dips into a ravine, the great trees end and dense bushes clot the bank.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of ravine

Phrases Containing trench

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tremulous
trench
trenchancy
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Cite this Entry

“Trench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trench. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trench

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trench

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